“Our team competes at the USASF Dance Worlds, which is the most elite competition for all dance teams. It is an invitation-only competition that takes place in Orlando each year,” her coach Kirstin Hawk explained. So, when Dance Mania’s sister studio reached out with a unique opportunity, it felt like fate.

Dance Mania All Stars in Melbourne, Florida, qualified for the DanceAbilities division at the World competition, but one of their dancers got sick and wouldn’t be able to participate, Hawk said. So they asked if Nashville had anyone, and after five years of wishing and waiting, Lily has her chance and she says she couldn't be more thrilled.“I like to be the star of the show,” she said. “Everybody cheers me on and makes me happy.” The USASF Dance World Competition brings together more than 3,500 dancers from all over the U.S. and 40 countries to vie for world champion titles in senior and international club divisions and categories.

One of those categories, DanceAbilities, is for dancers with special needs.Dance Mania Nashville has a 1Team1Goal program that helps students with special needs participate in studio activities and prepare for competitions like DanceAbilities.“Lily’s opportunity to compete in the DanceAbilities division at a world-level competition represents progress toward a more inclusive and equitable dance world. It shows that dancers of all abilities belong on every stage, including the most elite ones,” Hawk said. “For Tennessee, it sets a new standard and opens doors for other dancers with special needs to dream bigger and be seen.” Lily's addition to the Florida team makes her the first special needs dancer in Tennessee to participate in this dance event, Hawk said.“Lily is joy personified,” she added.

“She brings energy, humor, and a genuine love for dance into every room she enters. As a dancer, she is expressive and courageous, willing to step on stage even when she feels nervous, and give it her all.” And even though she will be dancing a new routine with a different team, her Nashville Dance Mania family is fully supporting her, her coach said. “Her peers...celebrate her, and learn from her just as much as she learns from them,” Hawk added.

“Lily reminds all of us what dance is really about: connection, confidence, and the courage to show up fully as yourself.”As the competition neared, Lily said she was nervous, but also excited, about the opportunity.“I just learned the dance, so I hope I don’t mess up,” she said. “It is scary to be on stage by myself, but it will be less scary with my new friends.” USAF Dance Worlds runs through April 27. More information about Dance Mania Nashville can be found at www.dancemanianash.com/. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Tennessean Lily Faught is making history at Florida Dance Worlds